Cardiac Surgery

Cardiothoracic surgery includes coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG), heart valve repair or replacement, left ventricular assist device (LVAD) placement, heart transplant, assisting in minimally invasive transcatheter valve structural heart procedures such as TAVR, left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion, septal myectomy, surgical ablation for arrhythmias, and reconstruction of the heart in congenial heart disease cases.

TAVR or SAVR? Market competition may be influencing these decisions
Hospitals located in more competitive markets may be more likely to perform TAVR instead of SAVR, according to a new analysis of more than 130,000 patients. Is this a reason for concern?
Surgeons use modified ‘frozen elephant trunk’ technique for first heart surgery of its kind
When the devices needed for a specific procedure were not available, a group of surgeons got creative. Their one-of-a-kind approach was a success, and the patient has experienced no complications.
New recalls announced for troubled heart devices—FDA previously urged customers to seek alternatives
These most recent recalls focus on a series of maintenance issues. In 2024, the FDA advised customers to transition away from the two devices and find alternative treatment options.
Researchers receive $3.2M in federal funding to test new heart pump for children
The device, currently just a prototype, could be the first of its kind to gain FDA approval.
FDA announces Class I recall of patches used for heart surgery
There is a risk of certain pericardial patches not being as strong or durable as needed. Customers are urged to identify, quarantine and replace these devices.

Transcatheter PVL closure linked to lower 30-day mortality than surgery

Long-term mortality, meanwhile, is similar between the two treatment options.

Open AAA repair linked to better long-term outcomes than EVAR

However, the authors noted, 30-day survival is significantly higher after EVAR than open AAA repair.

New data on cardiac damage before and after AVR suggests earlier treatment may be beneficial

Patients with higher levels of extravalvular cardiac damage prior to TAVR or SAVR face a higher risk of dying within two years, according to new findings presented at EuroPCR 2022 in Paris.

A transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedure being performed at Intermountain Healthcare. Image from Intermountain Healthcare

TAVR vs. surgery: A new look at 1-year outcomes among moderate-risk patients with severe, symptomatic AS

All-cause mortality after one year was 4.6% for the TAVR group and 6.6% for the SAVR group

When PPE is not enough: Improved shielding during EVAR linked to ‘dramatic reduction’ in radiation exposure

“Improving ancillary shielding barriers is paramount,” according to the authors of a brand new analysis.

How did the pig heart transplant patient die? A preventable infection may be to blame

The genetically modified pig heart appears to have been infected with a porcine virus, according to the surgeon who performed the initial transplant.

Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is not associated with a significant reduction in the risk of dementia, according to a new analysis published in the European Journal of Vascular & Endovascular Surgery.[1] However, the study’s authors noted, it did still lead to considerable improvements in stroke risk.

Carotid endarterectomy does not reduce long-term dementia risk

However, researchers noted, there was still a clear improvement in stroke risk.

How to improve shared decision-making among vascular surgeons and their patients

Researchers introduced decision support tools to 13 different hospitals, tracking the overall impact on shared-decision making and patient knowledge.

Cardiac Surgery

TAVR or SAVR? Market competition may be influencing these decisions

Surgeons use modified ‘frozen elephant trunk’ technique for first heart surgery of its kind

New recalls announced for troubled heart devices—FDA previously urged customers to seek alternatives

Researchers receive $3.2M in federal funding to test new heart pump for children

FDA announces Class I recall of patches used for heart surgery